Dog ate chocolate?

 ask a vet

Chihuahua with loose teeth.

Species: Dog
Breed: Chihuahua
Age: 2-5 years
My Chihuahua's teeth are starting to get very loose. She is only two years old, could this be genetic?? We are pretty sure the people we purchased her from were a puppy mill.




Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Thanks for your question!

Unfortunately chihuahuas very commonly have dental problems. We don't really know why their teeth are so much worse than other breeds. I wouldn't say that there is a specific genetic problem in Vanity as the vast majority of chihuahuas have tooth issues.

I would highly advise having a dental procedure done. If the teeth are loose then she will need to have those teeth extracted. She'll still be able to eat fine...even hard food!

Once she has her teeth cleaned you can talk to your vet about brushing regularly and possibly feeding her a prescription dental food such as Hill's t/d.

I hope she does ok.

Dr. Marie

---This question was asked in our Ask A Vet For Free section.---


Check out our dog age calculator and cat age calculator.

Want to receive pet coupons, vet advice and info on new pet products in your inbox?

* indicates required

We'll only send you great stuff, never spam. Unsubscribe any time.

Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Search for similar questions:

ask a vet

Popular questions...

Cat eating less than normal. My cat Noir hasn't been feeling well for about 5 days now. He is a 3 year old,... (73775 views)

Bloody diarrhea in small dog. I recently purchased a new Maltese puppy. When we brought him home he had some... (15667 views)

Older dog won't eat. My dog is a mutt, 14yrs old, and has been acting strangely as of late. She doesn't... (10445 views)

How to get cat to lose weight. I have an overweight cat - we have gotten him down by three pounds but needs to lose... (7932 views)

See the vet for dog bite? Daisy was bitten my my other dog in 2 places. It bled moderately and I gently bathed... (4222 views)

Swollen ear with pus. my dogs ear has suddenly become really swollen with what seems like puss it is very... (8489 views)

Bitten by copperhead snake. My mom's 14 week old puppy got bit by a snake. Didn't see the snake. What should... (9586 views)

Vaginal discharge Cheechee has a tan, snot looking sticky discharge coming from her urethra. Is this a... (10994 views)

Tumor or cystitis? I have a 17-year-old male cat (British short hair). He is in good health, eats and... (12041 views)

Should I get a guinea pig? Dear Dr. Marie, I live in Seattle, Washington, USA. I'm interested in having two... (7902 views)

See all questions...

Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.